turn 1 of 2

1
as in to rotate
to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis turned the doorknob as quietly as possible

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Relevance
2
as in to swing
to change the course or direction of (something) the dog turned the stampeding flock of sheep around he turned his cart uphill

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3
as in to deviate
to change one's course or direction we turned left at the light the storm unexpectedly turned south and missed our area

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4
as in to become
to eventually have as a state or quality will turn 12 in six months

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5
6
7
as in to depend
to be determined by, based on, or subject (to) what we do next turns on your answer to the following question

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8
as in to spin
to be in a confused state as if from being twirled around all the new information made his head turn

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9
as in to persuade
to cause to have often negative opinions formed without sufficient knowledge he did his best to turn his new friends against his ex-wife

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turn

2 of 2

noun

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5
as in bout
a sudden experiencing of a physical or mental disorder a sudden turn of dizziness that may have been brought on by a change in her medication

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6
as in act
a performance regularly presented by an individual or group between the show's two major musical acts, there was a short turn by a juggling troupe

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of turn
Verb
Lockhart turns these arresting settings into her own stage, capturing the vivid blues and greens of nature, and the remote island’s distinctive geology and geography, while the children at play within the landscapes bring movement and surprise to her extended static takes. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2025 Contrary to most preseason forecasts by oddsmakers and pundits who gave the Snakes a slight edge, the Padres have turned this year’s two-club race into a rout. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
Trump, in turn, reversed that order after returning to the White House in January. Solcyré Burga, Time, 7 Aug. 2025 In some cases, the department distributes money to one nonprofit, which in turn redirects a portion to another non-profit. Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for turn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for turn
Verb
  • Avoid diseases by rotating potato crops and growing them in a new spot each year.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2025
  • In 1979, the National Weather Service and World Meteorological Organization decided to evenly split women’s and men’s names, using six groups of 26 names, rotating annually.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The company swung to a net income of $1.58 billion for the three months ended in June from a massive loss pushing $10 billion the year before.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Warner Music Group swung to a net loss of $16 million in the third quarter after reporting net income of $141 million a year earlier.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Smith is not deviating from the plan set by his predecessor.
    Taylor Lyons, Baltimore Sun, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Jack Carr — co-creator of the Amazon Prime Video series and author of the books it’s based on — revealed that The Terminal List 2 will deviate from the plot of his second novel True Believer, a stark difference from the first season.
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Fitzgerald, also 27, lost his starting job after struggling mightily to start the season and could find himself in competition with Koss next spring to become the Giants’ utilityman.
    Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2025
  • By seventh grade, Davidson was beginning to become one herself.
    Devon Henderson, Oc Register, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • With minimum salaries starting at $66,000, WNBA players generate the bulk of their income through endorsement deals and partnerships that can revolve entirely around online campaigns.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2025
  • The components of Connecticut’s plan include a revolving loan fund for solar systems, energy storage, and enabling upgrades for multifamily affordable housing through the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority.
    Jan Ellen Spiegel, Hartford Courant, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • This is hard science fiction that ponders monumental questions about loyalty, technology and who (or what) deserves to survive.
    Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 6 Aug. 2025
  • And so Clarissa does not ponder her past so much as move through it.
    Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Both Butler and Wilson lined up inside and outside to place an emphasis on either stopping the run or getting after the passer, depending on the situation.
    Tashan Reed, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Martinez said there could be a pianist, violinist or jazz performers depending on the night.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Eovaldi, a former Yankee, spun a gem in Texas, allowing just one hit while walking none and striking out six over eight scoreless innings and 98 pitches.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Again immersing the viewer in the uncanny environments of the small towns along the coast of Cornwall, Jenkin spins a sci-fi-tinged tale of dislocation and regeneration.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Turn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/turn. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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